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Washington Capitals: A surprise guest at practice

By Michael Marzzacco |
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 03: Ryan Zimmerman #11 of the Washington Nationals celebrates as the Nationals are honored during a pregame ceremony to celebrate the Washington Nationals World Series victory before a game between the Calgary Flames and Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on November 3, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 03: Ryan Zimmerman #11 of the Washington Nationals celebrates as the Nationals are honored during a pregame ceremony to celebrate the Washington Nationals World Series victory before a game between the Calgary Flames and Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on November 3, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)

There might be some goalie controversy in Washington after their practice Wednesday. Just kidding, this was for fun!

There was a surprise guest at the Washington Capitals practice on Wednesday morning. Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman not only took in a Caps practice but got the experience of a lifetime.

Zimmerman ditched his baseball glove and instead donned the catching glove and goalie equipment to suit up for a practice.

Prior to practice the Capitals tweeted a video of goalie equipment including a baseball emoji, encouraging the fans to take wild guesses on who would suit up. Sure enough it would be Zimmerman all decked out and there was another tweet shortly after confirming the news.

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“Hey I’m Ryan Zimmerman. I’m a baseball player. I’m about to attempt to play goalie against some of the best hockey players in the world. I’m terrified to death right now, have no idea what to expect and hopefully I don’t die,” said Zimmerman before taking the ice.

First it was facing one-timers from none other than the master of the one-timer himself, Alex Ovechkin from his office in the left face-off circle. As cool as Ovechkin is and as much as I admire him as a fan, I wouldn’t set foot in the crease while he launches rockets. Zimmerman made a few stops with his glove and blockers.

Once the one-timers were done, it was on to practicing shootouts. Zimmerman made a few saves but was undressed by T.J. Oshie and made a split save on Nicklas Backstrom that he might still be feeling this morning.

https://twitter.com/Capitals/status/1217480811370491905

After practice Zimmerman said, “What a great experience. Terrifying, but fun. Glad I did it. I’ll never do it again.”

Ovechkin added (per Tom Gulitti of NHL.com), “I don’t think he will make the team, but it’s great to see him out there and try to do what he can and think he have fun and now he realize how hard it is to be goalie.”

Wednesday’s practice was another example of the special bond the Capitals and Nationals have. Just days after winning the Stanley Cup, the two teams got together prior to one of the Nats games to honor the Cup champs.

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After winning the World Series, the Capitals returned the favor by hosting them. What started out as just a baseball team taking in a hockey game turned into a wild locker room celebration after the Capitals won behind Jakub Vrana’s hat trick over the Calgary Flames.

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